Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Archives for James Mitchell Varnum

Exhibit Space Renovations at the Varnum Armory

December 31, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have launched an exciting new project to build new, professional exhibit displays. This includes new blackout shades to restricts ultra-violet from damaging our historic documents, dyed textiles, and original photos. We are also laying out displays before the new display cases arrive.

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum will be closed for tours as we do this work over the next month or so.

Moving old displays out of the room provides the opportunity for a deep clean.

Installing blackout shades to preserve out exhibits.

Experimenting with exhibit layouts before the new display cases arrive.

And here are the new display cases, on long-term loan from the Naval War College in Newport, RI.

Filed Under: Historic Preservation, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: historic preservation, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Albumen Photograph of Rhode Islander William Lewis, killed in the American Civil War

September 8, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

In collaboration with Robert Grandchamp, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum has acquired an amazing framed, tinted albumen photograph of bugler William Lewis, who was killed in action during the American Civil War. He was a member of Battery G, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery.

Bugler Lewis was mortally wounded 19 October 1864 at the Battle of Cedar Creek saving a gun of Battery G from being captured. He died two days later and is buried at Winchester National Cemetery.

  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: American Civil War, featured exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[FUNDRAISER] Help us acquire American Civil War sword of Capt. James H. Allen, 12th RI Infantry Regiment!

September 7, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

Captain James H. Allen

The Varnum Continentals‘ mission since 1907 has been to preserve and share Rhode Island’s rich military history and heritage. Our ultimate goal is to promote and encourage service – service of all kinds – to our state, country, and local communities.

This rare presentation sword was carried by James H. Allen (12th Rhode Island Infantry Regiment) in combat at the Battle of Fredericksburg during the American Civil War. It is a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and service that Rhode Island made during the War to preserve the Union and to end the ugly institution of slavery.

The Varnum Continentals have the chance to acquire this rare and special sword and put it on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. Please help us save Rhode Island’s military history!

DONATE VIA FACEBOOK!

DONATE VIA OUR WEBSITE

  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword
  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword
  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword
  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword

Filed Under: Historic Preservation, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: American Civil War, fundraiser, historic preservation, varnum memorial armory

Union soldiers of the American Civil War walk among us at the Varnum Memorial Armory!

August 22, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

Our preservation production team is putting the finishing touches on a custom dress form for a rare New Jersey American Civil War uniform. This dress form shows the infantryman in motion and highlights a wound from being shot through the thigh at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.

Click here to see images from earlier in this process.

  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form

Filed Under: Historic Preservation, Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: American Civil War, historic preservation, varnum memorial armory

Preservation in Action at the Varnum Memorial Armory!

August 15, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

Here’s our preservation production team in action. They’re fabricating a custom dress form for a rare New Jersey American Civil War uniform that will show the infantryman in motion and highlight a wound from being shot through the thigh at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.

The display will be amazing. We can’t wait to show it to you!

BOOK A TOUR!

Filed Under: Historic Preservation, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: American Civil War, preservation, varnum memorial armory

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Varnum Continentals Contribute to RI Public School Curriculum

June 11, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum Continentals will work with the RI Foundation, RI Historical Society, and the RI Black Heritage Society to introduce teachers to a new public school curriculum on the famed First Rhode Island Regiment of the Revolutionary War.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

Recent Posts

  • Varnum Continentals Contribute to RI Public School Curriculum
  • Varnum House Museum 2022 Tour Season
  • Watch “A STITCH IN TIME” filmed at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

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